Tonight’s Starting 5 Game Caps

About Albany: The No. 5 seeded Falcons proved they’re a threat this postseason with their play in last Tuesday’s game against Catholic Central. Granted, Albany dropped the matchup 73-63 but at times the Falcons were in complete control of the Big 10 game and Kevin Callender is the real deal when he’s driving the lane.

About Columbia: Jahlil Nails added another paragraph to his dominant season last Tuesday when he connected on his 1,000th career point as a junior. Nails went on to finish with a game-high 20 points as the Blue Devils topped Averill Park. Nails has yet to score fewer than 13 points in any game so far this year.

Notables: This Columbia squad might just be one of the most underrated talents in the area. The offensive numbers are simply incredible. In addition to Nail’s dominance, Elijah Lott has grown throughout the course of the season, and the team is averaging almost 72 points per game. The crutch in all of this? Defense. Columbia is also giving up an average of 67.5 points per game. If the Devils can work on bringing that number down, even slightly, they could make some noise in this tournament.

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Ballston Spa (9-7, 11-7) at CBA (11-5, 12-6), 7 p.m.

About Ballston Spa: The Scotties have been a little up-and-down this season, but the No. 6 seeded squad has still staged some solid victories, including a 63-60 victory over Shaker on February 7th. Jeremy Mendrick is a solid shooting threat, but the team needs to collectively work on free throw shooting — with averages in the mid 60%.

About CBA: The Brothers have been a bit of a mystery this season. The team returned almost its entire starting lineup from last season but dropped five league games this season, including two to both Troy and Catholic Central. There is a ton of talent on this roster, it’s just a matter of translating that from paper to the court.

Notables: Greig Stire has been the heart and soul of this CBA team all season and for good reason — he’s an inside-out nightmare and a force on defense. But, as we’ve all seen this year, Stire can’t be expected to carry the Brothers. If CBA wants to make a run in sectionals and back to the title game for the first time since 2012, the Brothers’ guards are going to have to step up as well, especially seniors Daniel Owens and Nick Marini. Both players can shoot and direct an offense, they just need to do it consistently.

Class B

Watervliet (9-4, 10-6) at Catksill (13-3, 14-3), 7 p.m.

About Watervliet: The Cannoners have spent the majority of the regular season looking to find some sort of rhythm and there’s no time like the present to keep that fight alive. The key for ‘Vliet in that search for a rhythm begins on offense. The Cannoneers thrive on scoring and although Ty’Jon Gilmore is a more than capable leader, ‘Vliet will need a strong showing from Issiah Brace and Danny Burns as well.

About Catskill: The No. 8 Cats are riding a nine-game win streak heading into tonight’s matchup and there’s plenty of reason for this team to feel confident, despite their seed. Daniel Green is averaging almost 16 points a game and Catskill has four different players in triple-digit scoring this season. This is a team that likes to run, to get out in transition and push the ball towards the hoop.

Notables: As far as No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchups go, this may be one of the best in recent history. For the first time since Orlando DiBacco took over on the sidelines, the Cannoneers are not Class B’s top seed. The team hasn’t lost a first-round game in decades and don’t expect ‘Vliet to take that record lightly. The Cannoneers may not have the offensive dominance that they’ve boasted over the past two seasons, but Ty’Jon Gilmore can take control of a game, even if he’s only a sophomore. Plan on Gilmore coming out firing for the Cannoneers, especially behind the arc.

Girls Basketball

Class B

Mechanicville (8-8, 9-9) at Cohoes (8-8, 10-8), 6 p.m.

About Mechanicville: Keep an eye on Courtney Pingelski. The junior guard is a jumpshot monster, scoring in every game this season and averaging a team-high 12.8 points. Expect the Red Raiders to focus their offense around Pingelski and trying to get her the ball.

About Cohoes: Abby Fitzgerald has really stepped into her own this season. After injuries affected the Tigers starting lineup, the sophomore guard did what was necessary to keep her team afloat and along the way became the leading scorer and one of the most balanced shooting threats in Section II.

Notables: This is an interesting first round matchup if only because these teams are so well acquainted. As an added bonus, the teams split games during the regular season and the combined point differential in the two matchups was just seven points. The biggest strength Cohoes has going into tonight’s game rests on the outside shooting ability of Abby Fitzgerald and Isabella Vanelli who have combined for 65 treys this season. If they can get hot behind the arc, Cohoes can grab a victory.

Voorheesville (7-9, 9-9) at Hoosick Falls (9-5, 11-6), 6 p.m.

About Voorheesville: The Blackbirds aren’t the area’s highest scoring team, averaging just under 45 points per game, but they’re consistent and that can be huge in the postseason. Five different players have put up 100 points this year, offering the Ville a solid base of offensive support heading into the tournament.

About Hoosick Falls: The Panthers have had a bit of a hard time in the final two games of the regular season, dropping close ones to league rival Hoosic Valley and out-of-league foe Glens Falls. But, Hoosick Falls made a bit of a run in last year’s tournament and they’re an experienced squad this time around as well.

Notables: There are a good amount of similarities between both of these teams going into tonight, especially the low-scoring offenses. But, Hoosick Falls defense has been strong all season, even against some tough Wasaren League opponents. If the Panthers can shut down Voorheesville, they can keep the season alive tonight.